We often say we are a covenantal religion as compared with a creedal religion. What does it mean to be a people of covenant? We will explore some of the deep roots of covenant and some of the what it means for us now. And, all will be invited to participate in "practice groups"or covenant groups that will be starting in January at UUCO!!
Covenant, Memory and Hope for the Future - The Reverend Dr. Gail Stratton - Sunday, January 26, 20201/22/2020
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Also featuring Street To Rhythm, a dance collective from Jackson Mississippi. Members Include, Adjoni Jefferson, Aloni Jefferson, and Jordon Jones.
In 1853 Unitarian Minister Theodore Parker talked about the Moral Arc of the Universe. Many others including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr have echoed his comments in a much clearer statement, "The Moral Arc of the Universe is long but bends toward justice." Working in Mississippi this becomes a mantra, an image of hope in our darkest days, giving faith knowing that we are on an honorable journey. But even though we rest on this hope, we must remember that we are the benders of the arc, and though the degree may be small in our lifetime, we must not rest or sleep lest complacency consume us, we must not rest while in the fire. For we don't live at the end of the arc, we live in the middle. Rev. Justin McCreary is minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson. He has served there for 6 years as their half time minister. ""We're on a mission from God." Are we? What if that's true? What is your spiritual mission on this planet? Come hear Houston author and psychotherapist Patti Henry talk about HER mission to help you find YOUR mission! Patti Henry is a long standing UU who lives in Houston, Texas, and is the half time lay minister at the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston. She is a psychotherapist, the best-selling author of "The Emotionally Unavailable Man: A Blueprint for Healing" and speaks extensively across the country on this topic.
Addressing Our Climate Crisis: What Will It Take?! - Raina Woolworth - Sunday, January 5, 201912/31/2019 Let's not make 2020 the year of hindsight, but one of foresight, where we take real actions on the things that need doing. Raina Woolworth will talk about the University of Montana programs, climate action plans, her role in climate action, and what Missoula is doing in terms of climate change. Hopefully, we'll find some actionable points to bring to our own community.
With much of the Holiday season behind us, we will look toward what we want to leave behind in 2019 and what we want to bring into our lives in 2020 as we face a future that is sure to be full of surprises and challenges. A Fire Ritual is planned.
In this service, with the wonderful Linten Singers as our musical guests we will hear stories of Hanukkah, Christmas, Solstice and some less well known celebrations. We will enjoy guided reflections to contemplate our own holiday memories and expectations. This will be a great way to prepare to face whatever the season decides to throw at you. We hope one of our offerings will fill you with awe.
From the Celtic tradition, Kate Lechler and friends will help us understand and appreciate the Winter Solstice and the ancient traditions that come from it.
Our UUCO Holiday Lovefeast is our traditional 'Tis the Season' worship service. We invite all -- youngest to oldest, visiting guests and favorite neighbors -- to join in! We will sing the familiar songs of the season, read words from historic texts, share traditional Lovefeast buns and warm cider, and hold aloft our candles at the conclusion of the service. Our offertory will go to help individuals and families in our community though the Oxford Pantry.
All are welcome at this multi-generational gathering, which is our own adaptation of the traditional Moravian Lovefeast. The Lovefeast service is very simple and is focused upon love of humankind: a communal meal is shared in love. Music and readings are offered to support reflection about the meaning of this season of the year. The distinctive feature of the gathering is that sweet rolls and cider are served to the congregation and all hold lighted candles to end the service. Within the Christian tradition it has been noted that the Lovefeast is not a substitute for the Christian sacrament of communion, rather it is a simple, shared meal. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations celebrate Lovefeasts at this time of year. Music: The UUCO Chorus, Reynaldo Budhi and Quinoa Soedsaue Seasonal Reflection: Susan Zachos For All Ages: Andy and Wendy Pfrenger will bring stories! Offertory: For The Oxford Pantry for our community Lovefeast Buns: Baked by Luanne Buchanan Cider, Buns, and Candles Service: Many helpers! Service Leader: Eunice Benton And many more participants! Our theme for the month of December is Awe. To start the month, Rev. Gail Tapscott will address the ways our first UU source, which says we draw on transcendent mystery and wonder, can keep us focused on what really matters through the busy and stressful holiday season
It has been our tradition to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a version of the old, old story, “Stone Soup,” followed by a follow-up luncheon and fellowship. Members of the congregation are asked to bring a salad, type of bread, or a dessert to share. The youth will be preparing the stone soup.
There are many versions of the Stone Soup fable. This year we will be using the story written by Marcia Brown in 1947 and put to music in 1987 by Carol Kaplan-Lyss and Sandi Becker in “Stone Soup – A 'Rock' Opera.” Donation envelopes for the Guest at your Table U-U Service Committee fundraiser will be collected during this service. Service Leaders: Dr. Roger and Mari Kuhnle Pianists/Accompanists: Reynaldo Budhi and Quinoa Soedsauer Dave Boothe, flute; Sophia Doyle, cello; Kaiden Edwards, percussion Children and Youth and Adults: will be singing villagers or soldiers Narrator: Alex Taylor Special Thanks to: Shanda Taylor, Brittainy Westman, and Dan Mattern |
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